Lebowski Fest was co-founded by Louisvillians Will Russell and Scott Shuffitt, who, along with Bill Green and Ben Peskoe, authored the book, I'm a Lebowski, You're a Lebowski: Life, The Big Lebowski, and What Have You, described as "a punch-drunk tribute worthy of a bowling-loving stoner named 'the Dude.'"[1] There is also a documentary about Lebowski Fest, entitled The Achievers.[2]

An account of the first ever Lebowski Fest is included in Mike Walsh's non-fiction account of his endeavor to bowl in all 50 U.S. states, Bowling Across America.

Lebowski Fest has also appeared on the Food Network program "Ace of Cakes." The episode named "The Big Cakeowsk" features the Charm City Cakes staff creating and delivering a movie-themed cake to Lebowski Fest in Louisville.

On July 12, 2015, Will Russell was arrested after police allegedly caught him smoking pot in a bowling alley parking lot, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal.[3]

The British equivalent, inspired by Lebowski Fest, is known as The Dude Abides and is held in London.[4]